Police raid Orange County spa in prostitution crackdown

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- Santa Ana police raided a local business in a crackdown on prostitution in Orange County.

ABC7 was given exclusive access to ride along with officers during their sting operation at Euphora Spa on South Bristol Street.

Police received several complaints from neighbors suspecting prostitution at the business and after an investigating, officers found an advertisement on the website BackPage.com.

An undercover officer went into the spa posing as a customer and confirmed the illegal activity.

The team waiting outside moved in to shut the location down and to make arrests.

"This doesn't appear to be in any way shape or form, a spa or facial place, but just a location where prostitution is ongoing," Cpl. Anthony Bertagna with the Santa Ana Police Department said.

Officers could be seen knocking on a locked door in the business several times, asking for the people inside to open the door.

After no one answers, officers kick the door in and arrest 33-year old Huong Nguyen, who they said was the woman soliciting herself.

Police also detained and released a male customer.

Code enforcement officers said they found several violations and plan to work with the landlord to shut the spa down.

"When you have this type of criminal activity going on, it's a detriment to a safe and happy environment," Bertagna said.

Nguyen faces a misdemeanor charge of soliciting prostitution.